Melissa Reich
Tucson,AZ
Summary
Dynamic DCS Specialist with extensive experience at Department of Children Services State of Arizona, excelling in case management and client advocacy.
Results-driven control systems specialist with proven experience in optimizing Distributed Control Systems (DCS) for industrial operations. Skilled in system integration, troubleshooting, and process automation. Strong emphasis on team collaboration, ensuring reliability, and adaptability to meet dynamic project needs. Known for delivering high-impact solutions and maintaining focus on operational excellence.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
DCS Specialist
Department of Children Services State of Arizona
04.2024 - Current
- Interviewed children, members of families, medical personnel and law enforcement to gain valuable information for each case.
- Conducted in-depth assessments to determine if children were safe from harm and abuse at home.
- Documented all relevant information by filling out forms and completing case reports.
- Devised and implemented safety plans for children suspected as victims of abuse or neglect.
- Enhanced family support systems by connecting families with appropriate resources and services.
- Utilized strong interviewing skills to gather critical information from children, parents, educators, medical professionals, and law enforcement personnel.
- Participated in ongoing professional development, staying current on best practices in child protection investigation techniques.
- Identified patterns of abuse/neglect during investigations by reviewing case histories and drawing connections between past incidents and current concerns.
- Documented cases meticulously, maintaining accurate records for court proceedings and agency use.
- Developed culturally sensitive approaches when working with diverse populations in order to better understand family dynamics and values.
- Provided expert testimony in court hearings, contributing to informed decisions on child welfare matters.
- Conducted home visits to assess living conditions, interview family members, and observe interactions between children and caregivers.
Director of Guest Services Retirement Center
Symphony of Linden
10.2022 - 11.2023
- Championed staff recognition initiatives to acknowledge individual contributions and reinforce organizational culture values alignment.
- Analyzed guest feedback data to identify trends and implement actionable changes for enhanced customer satisfaction.
- Implemented innovative strategies to improve departmental operational efficiency.
- Introduced new technology solutions, streamlining processes to boost employee productivity and improve guest experience quality.
- Conducted regular performance reviews, providing constructive feedback for personal development and achievement of company success metrics.
- Partnered with marketing team to develop targeted promotional campaigns, resulting in increased bookings revenue.
- Ensured compliance with regulatory guidelines regarding health, safety, and accessibility requirements within facility operations.
- Increased guest loyalty through personalized service and meticulous attention to detail.
CPS Investigator
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
07.2016 - 10.2022
- Exercised sound judgment when making critical decisions regarding child safety under high-pressure circumstances.
- Maintained confidentiality in accordance with agency policies while handling sensitive client information.
- Ensured timely completion of required paperwork for accurate reporting purposes and efficient case management processes.
- Performed home visits regularly to monitor progress in the implementation of case plans and assess ongoing safety concerns.
- Conducted thorough assessments of child abuse and neglect allegations, ensuring child safety and wellbeing.
- Improved interagency communication by collaborating closely with law enforcement, school personnel, healthcare providers, and community organizations.
- Participated actively in continuing education opportunities to stay current on best practices within child protective services field.
- Managed high caseloads effectively, prioritizing tasks to meet strict deadlines and maintain compliance with state regulations.
- Strengthened team cohesion through active participation in staff meetings, training sessions, and professional development opportunities.
- Promoted family stability by connecting clients to appropriate community resources such as housing assistance, mental health services, or substance abuse treatment programs.
- Adhered to all legal requirements throughout investigations while demonstrating knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.
- Testified in court proceedings as needed, providing accurate and detailed information on investigations conducted.
- Enhanced the quality of investigative documentation by maintaining thorough records and utilizing advanced database systems.
- Evaluated each situation objectively based on available evidence and used critical thinking skills to determine appropriate actions.
- Conducted in-depth assessments to determine if children were safe from harm and abuse at home.
- Interviewed children, members of families, medical personnel and law enforcement to gain valuable information for each case.
- Documented all relevant information by filling out forms and completing case reports.
- Assessed each child's unique needs and coordinated delivery of appropriate services and resources.
- Remained objective in handling each case, especially when children and families were in high-stress situations.
- Assisted families in navigating the social services system, including applying for benefits, accessing resources and connecting with other family support services.
- Intervened in crisis situations and counseled children experiencing emergencies and disruptive incidents.
- Completed comprehensive assessments of families to identify needs and develop treatment plans.
Children's Counselor
Oakland Family Services
01.2015 - 07.2016
- Facilitated smooth transitions between activities by effectively managing time schedules, preparing resources in advance, and clearly communicating expectations to children.
- Developed trusting relationships with children through active engagement in their interests, promoting open communication about personal challenges or concerns.
- Evaluated youth progress regularly, adjusting interventions as needed to support continued growth and development.
- Maintained accurate records of daily activities, incidents, and observations to facilitate effective program evaluation and continuous improvement efforts.
- Assisted in creating individualized care plans to address the unique needs of each child, resulting in improved overall youth satisfaction.
- Supported the overall well-being of children by providing nutritious meals, ensuring proper hygiene practices, and maintaining a clean, organized facility.
- Supported children''s emotional well-being by actively listening to their concerns and offering empathetic guidance.
- Ensured consistent adherence to policies and procedures by regularly reviewing guidelines with team members and reinforcing proper protocols during daily operations.
- Collaborated with team members to develop engaging programs that fostered social, emotional, and cognitive development in children.
- Provided crisis intervention support when necessary, utilizing de-escalation techniques and collaborating with mental health professionals to ensure child safety.
Education
Master of Science - Social Work
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MI08-2001
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
Lake Superior State University
Sault Ste. Marie, MI08-1997
Skills
- Case management
- Client advocacy
- Conflict resolution
- Social services
- Compassionate
Affiliations
- volunteer needle exchange program
Timeline
DCS Specialist
Department of Children Services State of Arizona
04.2024 - Current
Director of Guest Services Retirement Center
Symphony of Linden
10.2022 - 11.2023
CPS Investigator
Michigan Department of Health and Human Services
07.2016 - 10.2022
Children's Counselor
Oakland Family Services
01.2015 - 07.2016
Master of Science - Social Work
Grand Valley State University
Bachelor of Science - Sociology
Lake Superior State University
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